What Is The Coney Island Mermaid Parade?

Each year, over 3,000 creative individuals craft their costumes and participate in the Coney Island Mermaid Parade that hundreds of thousands come to watch. Summer is here, and with it comes New York’s most beautiful, creative, and extravagant celebration of the season: the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. They feature everything from expressive individual outfits to creative floats and antique cars.  This parade features thousands of people dressed up in wild costumes as mermaids, mermen, pirates, and other fantastical creatures.  With it comes the honor of bestowing King Neptune’s and Queen Mermaid’s awards. Will you be there to see the momentous occasion?

Launched in 1983, the Coney Island Mermaid Parade is the largest art parade in the US. The celebration is based on  a “celebration of ancient mythology and honky-tonk rituals of the seaside.” The 42nd Annual Coney Island Mermaid Parade will happen around June 15th, 2024 (usually on a Saturday). It takes place starting at 1 pm. For those looking to keep celebrating after the parade, the official party is at the Coney Island Brewery from 5 pm to 10 pm.